01 - Melody Manor Institute
It was a cool night in early September, with just a hint of summer still hanging in the air. I was on a plane headed to America, watching Milan slowly fade away beneath us. The streets I knew so well disappeared, but my mind was buzzing with a mix of anxiety, excitement, and hope.
I'm Angelina Sinclair, an 18-year-old girl from Italy, always up for a challenge and eager to explore what the world has to offer. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed about studying abroad and diving into new cultures. And now, that dream was finally coming true.
I was headed to Melody Manor Institute (M.M.I.), a lively campus in New York with an amazing range of courses—from acting and singing to fine arts, fashion, literature, and more. It felt like the perfect place to kick off my journey.
As the plane took off, I felt the thrill of acceleration rushing through me. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead, conquer my fears, and chase my dreams.
While I was watching other passengers, I noticed the girl sitting next to me was glued to her phone. Curiosity got the better of me, and I leaned over slightly to catch a glimpse of her screen. To my surprise, I saw the name "Melody Manor Institute" pop up in her messages.
Could she be going to the same place as me? After a moment's hesitation, I mustered the courage to speak up. With a shy smile, I asked,
"Excuse me, I didn't mean to pry, but are you going to M.M.I.?"
She looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Yes! Are you?"
"Yeah, it's actually my first time going in America," I said.
"Oh okay, that's exciting !" Her grin widened.
“I'm Ella, nice to meet you." She extended her hand, and I shook it, feeling a spark of connection.
"I'm Angelina. Nice to meet you too!" I said. Ella's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked,
“Are you Italian?"
"Yep!" I nodded.
Her eyes brightened. "I'm half Italian too, and Korean "
"That's beautiful," I said. "And you look stunning by the way."
Ella blushed. "Look at you!" She shot back, returning the compliment with a genuine smile. She continued
"Do you know how to get to the campus already?" Ella asked.
"Kind of yea, I was thinking of taking a taxi," I said.
She smiled reassuringly. "If you want, we can share a taxi together."
My face lit up. "That would be perfect! Thank you!" grateful for her kindness.
As the plane ascended, moving away from my old life and beginning a new chapter, I felt a mix of thankfulness and resolve, and after what felt like ages, we finally landed at New York's bustling airport.
Stepping off the plane, emotions swirled inside me. The excitement of starting this new adventure in a foreign land was overwhelming. The morning sun streamed in, creating a warm glow everywhere.
As we walked into the terminal, I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a chorus of languages buzzing around. The crowd moved with intention, and it felt like I had stepped into an entirely new world.
Ella and I grabbed our bags and called a taxi, both of us eager to reach the campus. Once the Taxi arrived, I settled into the backseat, still excited about being in New York. As the taxi pulled away, I quickly texted my mom:
"Hey Mom, just landed in New York! I'm in a taxi with a new friend I met. On my way to campus! I'll call you once I'm settled. Love you lots, Ciao!"
The taxi wove through the city streets, and I couldn't take my eyes off the sights outside. Skyscrapers shot up into the sky, a sharp contrast to the charming buildings back home. I wasn't used to seeing anything like this; it was nothing like Milan, where I could probably count only 21 skyscrapers.
"I totally get your excitement you know! New York City, the city that never sleeps!" Ella said, while looking at me.
I laughed, "It's surreal! Everything feels so different, yet so alive."
Ella smiled, clearly understanding the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing. "You'll fall in love with this city before you know it," she reassured me.
"I can already imagine it," I said. "I'm also a bit nervous about the campus."
"I was at M.M.I. last year, and I promise you, everything will be great! People are super friendly, even the professors." Ella said.
That made me smile. "Good to know!"
When we finally arrived, I was blown away by the stunning campus. Its beauty left me speechless.
"Wow, this is... gorgeous!" I said.
Ella grinned, sharing my awe. "I remember feeling the same way when I first got here."
This moment felt like the culmination of years of dreaming.
"I can't believe I'm actually here. This place is incredible," I whispered, with joy.
"It is." Ella nodded; her smile infectious.
"Oh, first I need to check in at the student center to get my dormitory number," I remembered.
"Yea, I can show you where it is!" Ella said. "I already have my dorm number, so I'll head there directly. But don't worry, I'll give you a tour of the campus afterward."
I felt relieved knowing I already had someone by my side. After she showed me where the student center was, we said a quick goodbye, and I stepped inside. My heart beating as I approached the desk. A friendly staff member greeted me. "Hi! How can I help you?"
"Hi, I'm a new student. I need to check in," I said.
"Welcome! Can I have your full name and some ID?" They asked with a smile.
I provided my details, and they quickly located my information. "Here you are," they said, typing away. "You've been assigned to Room 202 in Smith Hall. Here's your keycard and some important info about your dorm. Enjoy your time here!"
Gratefully, I thanked them and headed towards my new dorm.Walking down the hallway, I scanned the doors until I found it—number 202. Taking a deep breath, I hesitated before knocking. What would my roommate be like? Questions raced through my mind.
I knocked, and the door swung open to reveal a familiar face. "Ella?!" I gasped, shocked.
Her eyes widened. "No way!" she said, pulling me into a tight hug. In that moment, I knew we were meant to be more than just roommates—we were going to be friends.
"Come on in!" she said, waving me into the room.
The room was cozy, with two beds and desks full of personal touches. There was even a small kitchen with a fridge and microwave, plus a comfy couch facing a TV. Everything felt just right.
"Let me help you unpack," Ella offered.
I appreciated her help but assured her, "Oh, I got this." Still, she insisted, and together we organized our stuff, making the space feel homey.
Once we settled in, Ella turned to me with a smile and asked, "Ready for a little campus tour?"
I loved the idea. "Absolutely!"
Ella led the way, her enthusiasm contagious. "That's the main academic building," she pointed to a grand structure with tall pillars. "You'll have most of your classes there. It can be a bit confusing, but I'll help you."
I nodded, grateful for her support.
We stepped inside, and Ella showed me the library, a modern building with big glass windows filled with rows of books. "The library is amazing," she said. And continued "There is plenty of space to study and online resources for research. It's a great place to find some peace and focus."
Leaving the library, we wandered toward a lively building where students chatted and hung out. Ella introduced me to various clubs and groups, explaining their activities. "There's a club for just about everything here," she said. "From sports to arts, community service to debate, you'll definitely find something you love. It's a great way to meet people."
I couldn't wait for what was to come.
Ella showed me the campus cafeteria, and I was instantly charmed. It had a cozy vibe with warm lighting and cute decor, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
We spent some time checking out the bulletin boards, noting all the upcoming events, workshops, and club meetings. "There's a welcome party tonight, too!" she said, her eyes sparkling. "It'll be a great chance to have fun and meet new folks. You're definitely coming with me I'll introduce you to my friends."
The idea of a welcome party felt like the perfect kickoff to my campus experience. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and I was so excited about this new chapter.
A couple of hours later, I was back in my dorm, sitting on my bed feeling a bit tired while Ella was in the shower. I took the opportunity to video call my mom back in Italy.
We talked in "Fritalian," a mix of French and Italian. That is how we talk in the family.
I greeted her with a cheerful, "Ciao, Maman!" feeling great to see her face.
"It's so good to see you, Maman! How's everything going?" my mom asked in French.
You might be wondering why my mom calls me Maman, which means "mom" in French. But it was just her way of showing me affection.
"I'm doing well, Mom," I said, excitement bubbling in my voice. "I made a new friend, Ella. She's my roommate and she has been so welcoming. She showed me around campus, and there's a welcome party tonight as well that I'm really looking forward to!" I said, switching between French and Italian.
"I'm so glad to hear that, Maman. I know you'll charm everyone with your kindness," my mom reassured me, her words wrapping around me like a comforting hug. "Just remember to take care of yourself and enjoy every moment."
"I will, mom," I promised. "I miss you and dad already." I said.
"We miss you too, Maman. We're so proud of you for taking this step," she said, with pride. "You're brave and capable. Remember, I'm just a call away if you need anything."
"Thank you, Maman. I love you and Dad so much."
"We love you too, Maman. Enjoy the party tonight!" she said.
"I will! Ciao, Maman!" I waved, feeling happy.
"Bye, sweetheart!" she said in Italian as the call ended.
Just then, Ella came out of the shower, all smiles. "You speak French too?!" she said, surprised.
"Yep! My parents are from Ivory Coast, well my dad is half, but they spoke French to me since I was little girl," I said.
"That's so cool! I love that!" Ella said. Then continued "But how do you know English so well?" she asked, curious.
I chuckled. "My dad is half English, and in Italy, we learn English a lot in school as well."
"Wow, girl! That's impressive!" Ella said. "I only know Korean—not perfectly—and my Italian is kind of bad my parents spoke English all the time at home."
"No worries, I'll help you with that!" I laughed.
"Please YES, we're going to have such a blast here together! I can feel that." She said.
"Absolutely" I said then continued, "Alright, I'll go take a shower now."
Time seemed to fly as the night grew darker, and the excitement in the air was electric. Ella and I got ready together, picking out our outfits and doing our makeup, each adding our own touch of style. Standing side by side in front of the mirror, I admired Ella in her killer black dress that hugged her perfectly, while I felt confident in my cute blue dress.
"We look so hot!" Ella said, grinning.
"Totally!" I agreed.
Once ready, we left our room and made our way to the welcome party. The campus buzzed with energy, and the distant beats of music grew louder with each step.
When we finally reached the venue, I was amazed. The hall was beautifully decorated, with vibrant lights twinkling and lively music filling the air. It felt like a scene from a movie. Ella spotted some friends and dashed over to greet them, leaving me momentarily alone. But I didn't mind; I took a moment to soak in the festive vibe around me. The decorations, and the dance floor with students swaying to the rhythm. I knew I had to check out the drinks, so I made my way to the table, weaving through the crowd and enjoying the sight of everyone having a great time.
But just as I wanted to reach for a drink, fate had other plans. I bumped into HIM.
Wow. He was like a vision—rugged yet refined. His hair were of a sandy color, framing his chiseled face just right. There was a spark in his eyes that totally left me breathless. He was tall, rocking a white shirt that screamed confidence.
